Botswana permanent secretary for health Christopher Nyanga says the country is facing drug supply shortage.
In a statement, Nyanga said as from the second week of March 2022, the ministry received some vaccines and medications that were in short supply.
“These included the following under five children immunisations: diphtheria-tetanus vaccine (DT), pentavalent vaccine and measles and rubella (MR) vaccine.
“The ministry has also received some medications for chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes and others, which are currently being distributed to health facilities across the country.”
Below is the full statement from the ministry of health.
UPDATE ON DRUG SUPPLY SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY
The Ministry of Health and Wellness made public statements in February 2022 about the shortage of drugs and some specified medications in the country. The ministry indicated at the time that though the shortage had affected most types of drugs and medications, the shortage was more pronounced in drugs for chronic conditions. The ministry had also indicated that some short, medium and long term interventions were being made to address the situation.
The ministry therefore, wishes to inform members of the public that some of the interventions stated then, had begun to bear fruits. As from the second week of March 2022, the ministry received some vaccines and medications that were in short supply. These included the following under five children immunisations: diphtheria-tetanus vaccine (DT), pentavalent vaccine and measles and rubella (MR) vaccine. The ministry has also received some medications for chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes and others, which are currently being distributed to health facilities across the country.
The chronic medicines’ dispensing program which is implemented in partnership with a medical aid company, BPOMAS, has been successfully rolled out to six more areas being Molepolole, Lobatse, Mahalapye, Palapye, Serowe and Selibe-Phikwe. The roll out to the seventh place, Maun, will take place today. The roll out of this program means that more Batswana will be able to access chronic medication in private pharmacies nearest to them.
The ministry assures the public that it is fully aware of what they have been going through in relation to drug shortages and anticipates the situation to keep improving as more drugs and medications procured, continue to arrive. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down global drug production, as well as the supply chain logistical flow, the ministry is optimistic that with the measures it has put in place, the situation will gradually improve.
The ministry will keep Batswana informed about this issue as new developments emerge.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully
Dr Christopher Nyanga
For Permanent Secretary
